Connemara is Ireland at its most majestic, wild, and beautiful. An essential stop along the Wild Atlantic Way, spend a few days, a week or even a month here. You might never want to leave!

Connemara

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The very name Connemara means” inlets of the sea”. This gives some indication as to just how stunning and rugged the countryside is. The Irish have been coming here for years for “holiday” and it is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise.The famous bogs and fields, gorgeous lakes, and rocky shores make it Ireland at its most quintessential. It is a beautiful place to not only drive through, but also to spend some time. There’s plenty to see and do here, and these are just 10 of the top things to do in Connemara during your next vacation.

Connemara National Park has an area of some 2,957 hectares, within which are mountains, bogs, heaths, grasslands and woodlands. Opened to the public as a park in 1980, admission is free, and an interpretive centre explains some of the things to see and do there. Hiking is of course a popular activity in the Park, and there are great views of the ‘Twelve Bens’, a series of peaks over 1500 feet. The park is open daily between 9.00am and 5.30pm all year through.

2. Galway City at the Weekend

During the weekends a visit to Galway city is highly recommended. The medieval cobblestone streets seem to fill with life, and there is a mix of entertainers, music and markets. Highlights of a visit to Galway city include visiting the Spanish Arch and of course tasting the local cuisine, especially the traditional Irish cheeses. Don’t forget to have a pint of the local beers either. Galway Hooker is a favourite in the city.

The Benedictine Monastery of Kylemore was founded by Nuns fleeing the First World War in 1920, and built on the grounds of Kylemore Castle. The estate has an almost fairytale feel to it, and the castle is iconic. Take a tour here through the grounds and gardens, and learn about the bats in the belfry, as well as the somewhat tragic story of the families involved with the castle leading up to when it became an Abbey.

The charming coastal town of Clifton is the largest town in the region, and some people often refer to it as the capital of Connemara. There are plenty of boutique shops as well as authentic pubs for food and live music. Find yourself a cozy pub and listen to some traditional music whilst joining in the craic!

Many people choose to visit the nearby Aran Islands on a day trip, but we would recommend visiting for a few days or longer. Despite the daytrippers there is a feeling of stepping back in the past when you land. The locals are relaxed yet welcoming, and happy to give you directions if you need some when exploring the island. As no cars can be taken over on the ferries, it is best to get around the island either by hiking or bicycling. The Aran islands are a great destination for anyone that enjoys the outdoors life, and some excellent accommodation can be found at Aran Islands Camping and Glamping. The unique glamping pods based on the old stone hut design, offer comfortable lodging in an outdoor setting all the year around.

6. Ride a Connemara Pony

The hardy breed of pony known as the Connemara Pony has really adapted to the tough and varied terrain of the Connemara region. As beautiful to watch in the fields as they are to ride, pony riding sessions are available at a number of equestrian centers in Connemara, offering a unique way to explore the rugged landscape.

If you are lucky enough to be visiting Connemara on a nice warm sunny day, you should spend some time on one of the beaches! There are some very pretty sand beaches nestled between the rocky coastline if you know where to look. Ballyconneely’s Coral Strand, Dog’s Bay and Gurteen beaches are all great examples. Even if the weather isn’t ideally suited for soaking up the sun, they are still worth visiting, as they are certainly very photogenic.

Ireland has some pretty seaside villages and Roundstone is amongst the prettiest. It has been the location of many different films due to its brightly painted pubs and incredible coastal views. There’s no better place in Ireland to enjoy a pint and some seafood such as mussels or seafood chowder, and you can also visit some craft shops, particularly inside the Franciscan Monastery.

The fairytale Ballnyahinch Castle has been converted into a remarkable four-star hotel. You can either choose to stay the night, or simply pop in for high tea or a drink by the fireplace. Set in grounds of over 450 acres, you can stroll along the paths from the Lake and Owenmore River. The 12 Bens mentioned earlier can be viewed from here, with Ben Lettery being the most prominent.

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At 16 kilometers in length, and a depth of 45 metres in places, Killary fjord is in fact Ireland’s only fjord. It is best seen on a Fjord boat tour which reveals the dramatic landscape at its finest. The boat tour takes about 90 minutes, and is an enjoyable way to soak up the beauty of the surrounding Connemara countryside. Another option is to follow it via road, stopping off in the small towns and villages along the way.

More information

For more information on what to see and do in Connemara, as well as how to get to the Aran Islands, contact Aran Camping and Glamping. We will be happy to share our knowledge of the local area, and of course encourage you to visit Inis Mor, the largest and most beautiful of the magnificent Aran Islands!

The site situated in very comfortable place; just 5 minutes walk from village, the beach just over the wall, beautiful surround. It amazing that only for 10 euros you can use the kitchen in full: they have all dishes, cutlery, pans, etc. The field for tents is quite big and flat. The girl in reception explained about all attractions of Aran island. We are very pleased.

Rihana Lupton

21:06 13 Aug 19

Stayed here in July and it was absolutely fabulous. Would definitely recommend

Siobhan Nolan

21:09 05 Aug 19

Brilliant brilliant accommodation..setting and facilities are second to none..easy access to the small village for food..

Karl Mc eneaney

08:00 30 Jul 19

Great facility less than 5 mins bike from the harbour and a perfect base to see the island. Pod was spotless and info provided by the friendly receptionist appreciated.

sean bruscar

20:30 29 Jul 19

Very clean campsite. Bit noisy in a tent like all campsites. The pods look good.

Cormac Lehane

13:18 21 Jul 19

The grounds were lovely and well maintained, it wasn't too far from the shop/restaurants especially if you've hired a bike which I'd recommend on a nice day and everything was clean. There was a receptionist who was very rude over the weekend I was there which took away from the experience a bit.

James .H

11:30 14 Jul 19

Visited here last Summer. Very convenient spot. You had to pay to use the showers but I supposed that's fair enough when it's €10 per person per night to camp. The site and area is a little bit "dead" but it is a small island after all, well within walking distance though to the lively areas. Place could be a little more scenic but it is nice all the same. Overall - good value! I will be visiting again this Summer, in early August.

David K

08:20 18 Jun 19

TopThe scenery is incredible, just in front of the beach. The place is very close to the village (shop, pubs, bike hire) and to the pier. Perfect place for spending time with friends, family and children. Very friendly and helpful staff.

Very nice, clean etc. and cosy glamping huts. Also very friendly hostess. Would most definitely stay there again!

Alex R.

11:58 14 May 19

Very disappointed with the service. We reserved a cabin for a night but our ferry was canceled due to bad weather conditions. The reservation office refused to refund any of our money, even with more than 48 hours notice. Do not recommend.

Todd Bishop

09:48 19 Mar 19

Very scenic, good kitchen facilities. However, the water in the showers would be cold at unpredictable times of the day and there was nowhere to plug a hairdryer into.

Sinead Baker

04:22 19 Jan 19

Great place. Cosy little cabins. Highly recommended it. I'll be back.

Giuseppe Valente

15:16 16 Jan 19

Nice place to stay. Good location. Great staff. Facilities are modern and comfortable, laundry, showers, canteen is clean and has everything you need.

Val S

22:16 09 Jan 19

Great and memorable experience. Nice, small and cozy camps. Best for two people but can accommodate three. Nice and professional staff. We loved the kitchen facilities which makes up for the small size of camp. Great atmosphere. We hired bicycles and visited the whole island. Must visit place if you’re planning on staying overnight on the island. Highly recommended.

Muhammad Taqi

06:33 15 Nov 18

Camped here overnight when I cycled from Galway. Nice campsite, good facilities, you pay for the shower but it last ages. Good kitchen facilities and it's close to the Pubs. I set up the Tent and cycled around the sites on the island very handy.

Ray Toomey

20:30 10 Nov 18

Stayed here with my friend a few months ago. It was my highlight of the trip and I 100% recommend staying in one of the Clocháns

Anthony Marchi

17:21 02 Oct 18

Great location and generally a good site. Felt a little unwelcomed when we arrived. We got off the ferry around 11.30am and the first thing we wanted to do was offload the tent etc... Check in isn't until 1pm which is surprising as people coming off the ferry would want to dump their stuff first surely (which they did as everyone else was doing the same as us) just doesn't seem well designed. Anyway we were allowed to set up the tent (so long as we didn't use the facilities) then went off for the day and returned late in the evening. It is a very nice site and the price is very reasonable for camping. Not sure I would stay in a pod for the price though. You could get a b&b for cheaper!

Lindsay Grainger

09:38 19 Aug 18

Great facilities and lovely, helpful people. Would definitively recommend and stay here again. A great family friendly site. Not suitable for parties.

Clodagh Stapleton

19:04 05 Aug 18

€2 per shower, no handwash in the toilets. You have to wear wristbands for the duration of your stay which was very annoying. Also the campsite was very loud late into the night with some residents.

Stephen Crowley

12:49 29 Jul 18

The cheapest place to stay on the island. 10euro per person in tent. 2euro extra for the shower but it's so long working that two persons can use it in this time. The pods are looking very nice but I wouldn't pay this 125euro per night for this, overpriced Ireland as usual.

Katharina Ceta

10:36 23 Jul 18

Beautiful, quiet, across the street from a sandy beach. Huts are snug for 4 but we were outside a lot, so it never felt cramped. Laundry facilities and larger kitchen available in nearby outbuildings, wifi in main building. An excellent place to unplug and rest.

Jill Mulvey

07:58 14 Jul 18

Eco friendly and one of the best stay I have ever been. If u hire bicycle is only two minutes from town. Walking distance is about 10 minutes. Highly recommended. Place is nice and tidy

Eva Ruzickova

07:10 07 May 18

Nice place to stay, with front sea view and easy to commute to the city.

Brajesh Singh

07:01 04 May 18

Very satisfactory ! Thank you very much ! ?

Charlotte Tailland

13:57 02 Apr 18

The welcome was very good. I recommend this place.

Louise Camille Desroches

13:38 02 Apr 18

After a hard walking, my friends and i was very satisfising by the welcome the camping had offert to us! Thank you so much

fier d etre moi

13:34 02 Apr 18

Very satisfying, they welcome us when we were freezing outside, so thank youuuuuu

Lou acl

13:31 02 Apr 18

Absolutely loved it! Wish we could have stayed longer

Sarah Nash

00:03 21 Feb 18

From start to finish I'd an excellent three day stay here.The owner was a gentleman, he unexpectantly to us, was waiting at the port for the ferry to arrive to collect his guests and drive them to the glamping site.Being midweek early October it was quiet with only a few pods occupiedThe pods were first class, spotless, like a hotel room with everything you'd want.The location is perfect, a few minutes walk from the port and Kilronan village with a beach and amazing views out over the water.It was sad having to leave, really looking forward to returning.

Mike Foxtrot

20:43 01 Nov 17

great staff and lovely acommadations right beside sea.

liam gray

00:15 20 Oct 17

Good place to camp, 10 euros a night, 2 euros shower, nice kitchen

Javier Garside

10:36 25 Aug 17

A must-try experience on Inishmore. Amazing setting and fun design.

Matt Finn

02:58 08 Aug 17

Free entry to Dun Aonghasa fort offered with stay. Brand new and excellent facilities at time of writing, great location for Kilronan with beach on the doorstep. Only downside was expensive (€2) shower tokens and painfully scalding water from the showers (solar heated, very hot day)! Otherwise excellent.

Daniel Keeling

23:20 11 Jul 17

We stayed at Aran Camping Glamping over the weekend and found it a superb place for a break. The Units are tastefully designed and very clean. The water in the shower was hot, the kitchen room spacious, and it was close enough to the main village. Will definitely return!!

Ciara Duffy

13:40 27 Feb 17

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Aran Camping Glamping is conveniently located in the center of The Wild Atlantic Way. It is accessible from both Doolin (The Cliffs of Moher) and Rossaveal (Galway / Connemara).Sligo - Galway - Connemara - Doolin - Cork

The combination of fantastic Aran Islands self-catering Glamping and Camping accommodation, numerous outdoor activities and famous Irish hospitality makes Aran Camping & Glamping the perfect choice for a short break, corporate day out or simply a family holiday to remember on the Aran Islands.